Senior Staff Attorney, Domestic Violence Institute (DVI) Clinic

About the Opportunity

JOB SUMMARY

Northeastern University School of Law (NUSL) seeks a Staff Attorney to join the Domestic Violence Institute (DVI). The successful candidate will be appointed as a Senior Staff Attorney. The DVI is a part of NUSL’s clinical legal education program and includes the Domestic Violence Clinic (DVC), which operates during the law school’s Fall and Spring Semesters. The DVI provides critical legal representation to eligible child and adult survivors of domestic violence in family and immigration matters, engages in advocacy initiatives, and conducts community education and training.

This position follows a hybrid schedule, with an on-campus presence of 2-3 days per week. Additional on-site days may be required based on operational needs of the clinic/manager. This is a one-year fixed-term position, with the expectation of renewal for up to two additional years, contingent upon the availability of external funding.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris doctor from an ABA-approved law school and 4+ years of progressively responsible legal experience in family and immigration matters.

• Admission to the Massachusetts bar

• Valid Massachusetts driver’s license

• Fluency in English required and Spanish preferred

• Strong attention to detail, problem solving skills, exceptional organizational skills with the ability to organize time and priorities, including multiple tasks and deadline pressures.

• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially in legal research, analysis, and writing

• Proficiency with legal case management systems, legal research tools including LexisNexis and Westlaw, and Microsoft Office Suite

• Familiarity with Massachusetts family law and U.S. immigration law and procedures

• Commitment to protecting the rights of and advocating in the interest of survivors of domestic violence

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

Clinic Services and Administration (50%)

• Manage the Domestic Violence Institute’s (DVI) docket of ongoing projects and client matters under the supervision of the Director.

• Represent clinic clients, serving as primary attorney on all non-student matters and providing coverage during law school breaks.

• Conduct intakes and consultations, & make referrals.

• Maintain clinic files; document and track client matters, outreach initiatives, and project progress.

• Develop and update administrative policies, procedures, and clinic manuals; this includes reporting for gift objectives and other internal reporting needs.

Clinic Initiatives & Outreach (5%)

• Assist the Director in developing clinic projects and client matters.

• Support special projects and emerging initiatives as needed.

• Attend meetings and collaborate with internal and external partners related to client matters and projects.

• Conduct community education and outreach on issues related to domestic violence and available legal services.

• Document and track outreach initiatives as part of ongoing clinic administration

Student Supervision & Guidance (as assigned by the Director) (35%)

• Supervise clinic students working on client matters and project-based assignment  at the discretion of the DVI Director.

• Provide guidance on seminar objectives and student tasks, including:

• • Legal research and writing

  • Case planning and management

  • Fact investigation and evidence gathering

  • Filing preparation and submission

  • Hearing and court appearance preparation

  • Client communication and counseling

Seminar & Instructional Support (as supervised by the Director) (10%)

• Assist with seminar administration, including developing and maintaining clinic manuals, syllabi, readings, and other instructional materials.

• Update and maintain the online learning management system.

• Create, review, and support course assignments.

• Schedule and coordinate guest speakers.

• Provide limited classroom instruction at the Director’s discretion.

Documents to Submit:

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and a list of 3 references in a single PDF file.

Northeastern University will not provide H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, or any other type of employment visa sponsorship for the successful applicant to this position, now or in the future.  Furthermore, the successful applicant must be able to maintain valid work authorization in the United States throughout the entire appointment without Northeastern University’s sponsorship for a visa.

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.